All of a sudden, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”—God’s total acceptance, full delight, and unwavering love. (Lk.2:13–14)
Heavenly Father, as we pray our way through this familiar scene of harking angels and scurrying shepherds, we confess our unbelief. This one phrase—“on whom God’s favor rests,” stops us in our tracks, takes our breath away, taps into our deepest longings, and exposes our stubborn unbelief. So help us, Abba.
So this is what you mean by the “boundless riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). To receive Jesus is to be transferred from the dominion of darkness and delivered into the kingdom of your beloved Son (Col.1:13). It’s to be—all by grace, rescued from slavery to sin and death, righteousness-bankruptcy, and spiritual orphancy (Whew!), and comprehensively forgiven, clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, and made your beloved children (Hallelujah!).
Father, we’re beginning to realize that eternal life isn’t just going to heaven when we die, but living in your love and delight while we live. Our prayer life often consists of asking you to “do us a favor.” But through Jesus, you give us your favor. Stunning, beyond all we could ask or imagine, hard to believe—but truly ours.
The deepest longings we have for intimacy, our constant craving to be seen, known and loved—you gave us these desires, and you intend to fulfill them. A loving spouse, kids and grandkids, a caring boss and fun co-workers—good friends, the elixir of romance, appreciation from peers and peeps—these give us joy, warm feelings, and make life easier. But, Father, only you can give us the favor we crave—your total acceptance, full delight, and unwavering love. And, Hallelujah, you have, Abba, in the Gospel you truly have. So Very Amen.